5 QUESTIONS WITH ... MASTER KITE BUILDER MIKIO TOKI

Mikio Toki is a master kite builder based in Chosei, a suburb of Tokyo. Toki has been invited to kite festivals around the world, where he demonstrates his technique to children and adults alike, and he'll be back in Seal Beach this weekend for his 11th consecutive festival. We asked the kite constructor what makes his kites special, where they come from and why he makes them. His answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Q.What's special about Japanese kites?

A.Using very strong Washi paper, which is made primarily from the mulberry tree. It is a very solid Japanese paper, a very strong one. In Japan, we use this strong paper for kites. Also, we use bamboo sticks. We have so many styles of kites in each area of Japan. I was born in Tokyo, so my kite is the Tokyo style.

Q. How does it compare to the diamond-shaped kite we're more familiar with?

A.There is the (rectangular) Tokyo style kite, a little bit thinner than other countries'. On top of the kites, we put what we call a hummer, which makes sounds in the sky, and long bridle lines and many bridle lines, about 14 or 17. A big one has more bridle lines and a long tail.

Q.Do other countries have their own styles of kite?

A.The kite is from China. Chinese people went many places in the world, some to Europe, some to Japan. There was a little bit of crossover sometimes. In Asia, they use Washi paper and bamboo. Some places have hammer sounds. In Europe, they only use fabric and use fiberglass rods. It's different from the Asian style.

Q.What made you become a kite maker?

A.When I was young I met a kite master. He was born in Tokyo and when I met him he was about 70 years old or more, I think. He was very, very interesting. For example, a very nice kite-flier and kite maker. I wanted to be like him.

Q.What are your goals now?

A.I would like to ... pass all the skills to the next generation. A long time ago, in Tokyo, there were so many places for kite flying. But now there are too many buildings there. ... I want to keep the Tokyo style of kite traditional.

This weekend offers more red-letter events for the Seal Beach-Los Alamitos-Rossmoor community to come out and support than maybe any other all year.

First up Saturday morning is the spectacle of triathletes racing up the San Gabriel Trail to the I-405. That evening marks the 13th Taste for Los Al, four hours of food sampling and auction bidding you won’t have to miss the football games for – they’ll be screening them there.

Then on Sunday there’s a 5K (and a pancake breakfast if you’re still hungry) at the School Ghoul run in Rossmoor – a way for a kid battling a long-term illnessto give back to his community. That’s a prelude to the Seal Beach Kite Festival – the prettiest thing to happen to Seal Beach’s sky till sunset.

JAPAN AMERICA KITE FESTIVAL

This is the 17th year of the Japan America Kite Festival – supposedly the largest kite festival outside of Japan – and it brings back lots of the aerial stunts and stunning kites that locals have enjoyed for years.

The schedule lists six kite groups performing and appearances by other individuals, like master kite builder Mikio Toki and former sport kiting world champion Chieko Tagami.

They will hold demonstrations throughout the day, while kids can take part in kite or origami workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

But there's at least one new event on the ground that's worth a look. Huntington Beach-born chef Keizo Shimamoto is serving 500 of his Ramen Burgers – a much-hyped creation that replaces the hamburger's bun with patties of freshly cut ramen noodles.

“One thing that really stands out for me is the flavor profile. It really does taste like shoyu ramen,” chef and food blogger Jay Terauchi told the Register this week.

Another edible attraction is the Edo-period candy sculptor Shawn Ichiyanagi, who returns to the festival after a year's absence. Festival coordinator Kay Amano says the 3-D art-like sweets draw a large crowd.

Then there are the Japanese cultural events, including wooden swordplay from the Southern California Naginata Federation and two rounds of Taiko drumming.

As for parking, locals will be hoping the kite enthusiasts from out of town take advantage of the free shuttle from the SeaPort Marina Hotel in Long Beach.

During football season, the board members of the Los Alamitos Unified School District enjoy joshing each other about UCLA or USC football almost once per meeting. (The Trojans on the board have taken the brunt lately.)

Beach goers and kite fliers mingle at the annual Japan American Kite Festival north of the pier in Seal Beach in 2011. MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Kai Quinonez, 10, center, stands on the Seal Beach Pier with his parents, Beth, second from left, and Gus Quinonez, in glasses, and family friend Jordan� Van Meter, right, moments before he jumped off the pier on the final day of the Seal Beach Junior Lifeguard program in Seal Beach. MARK RIGHTMIRE, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Darrin Wagoner works his kite at the annual Japan American Kite Festival north of the pier in Seal Beach in 2011 with an American flag kite as a backdrop. MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Firemen Mark Hunter and Paul Cheek serving the community in a different way at the Taste For Los Al in Los Alamitos in 2009.. FILE PHOTO: WAYNE MAH, FOR THE REGISTER
Kai Quinonez, 10, left, and his brother, Klaus, 13, stand on the beach on the final day of the Seal Beach Junior Lifeguard program in which they both were involved in. Kai is recovering from a rare blood disease called aplastic anemia. MARK RIGHTMIRE, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Beach goers were able to watch synchronized kite flying from the pier Sunday at the annual Japan American Kite Festival in Seal Beach in 2011. MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A Cinese dragon kite is held aloft while trying to get it to fly at the annual Japan American Kite Festival in Seal Beach in 2011. MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Griffin stood as a reminder the proceeds of the Taste For Los Al goes to Los Al HS groups FILE PHOTO: WAYNE MAH, FOR THE REGISTER
Master kite builder Mikio Toki PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKIO TOKI

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